Ghostly Graveyard

Zoe Donovan Mystery #17

by Kathi Daley

When Zoe finds a body laying across the grave of Isaac Wainwright, the man behind a hundred year old legend, she sets out to find the killer before the deputy who is substituting for Salinger, finds a way to pin the murder on her. Meanwhile, Ellie is asked to babysit her cousins baby, Levi is AWOL, and the entire Donovan-Zimmerman household is busy with Halloween activities.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Halloween, Holiday

276 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Halloween in Ashton Falls. Zoe and Zac's family stays busy with activities, and Zoe's being pulled in many directions. The kids are facing Thanksgiving decisions, and Zac wants some alone time with his wife. The murder of a new committee member is blamed on Zoe, and, unfortunately, Detective Salanger is away, and his fill-in doesn't know Zoe's penchant for getting into trouble. It's always a treat to watch Zoe, Zac, the kids, and their friends, puzzle out the clues until they find out whodunit and clear Zoe of any involvement. I love the secondary story told from Phyllis's POV, regarding how sweetly her life is just now coming alive, and new relationships are flourishing. I highly recommend the Zoe Donovan mystery series.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best yet in Kathy Daley's Zoe Donovan series! The community is going all out to provide a Spooktacular Halloween with multiple events scattered around town. A stranger has moved in with some great ideas. Before anyone realizes, he seems to have taken over the planning committee. Then, one of the prime attractions is found trashed, and Zoe finds the newcomer dead in the graveyard. With the regular sheriff away on a cruise, Zoe is the substitute's best choice for the murderer. How she clears her name and solves the crime involves some wicked sleuthing skills. One of the neat things about Ms. Daley's e-books is the interactive feature in which the reader can stick with the main story, or read another concurrent view in chronological order. It's a wonderful idea which really enhances the experience. And it's almost Halloween, so this is a super book for the season! I was gifted with the Kindle edition by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

It is Halloween season and Zoe finds herself telling spooky stories to the local children. Little does she know that she would find herself involved in the legend.

Zoe finds a body in the graveyard lying on the grave of Isaac Wainwright, the main character of her story who lived a hundred years ago who is supposed to come back and haunt his killer. She needs to find the real killer before the deputy charges her as the killer.

The gang is busy with outside activities as well as the murder. Who really kill the victim and does it have anything to do with the legend or was it just a coincident?

Once again this is another fast paced and interesting story in the Zoe Donovan series.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be the 17th book in the series, but it is still just as great as the first. This is the second time Ms. Daley has given us two stories in one: the main story of Zoe and Zak (and the murder mystery), and also the continuation of the Zimmerman Academy story.

The characters continue to be well-written, well-developed and realistic. I enjoyed reading about Zoe figuring out how to balance her family, her job, and her investigating. Just like most parents, she is faced with more activities and responsibilities than time.

The book is a fun easy read, and the mystery will keep you guessing from beginning to end. Already looking forward to #18!

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Hamlet

I chose to rate this book 5 stars as it has everything I love in a cozy book. Animals, children, loving spouses and friends, and did I mention babies? They always steal my heart. Kathie Daley has a wonderful way of drawing you into the story and making you wish the characters were real and making you want to be best buddies with Zoe and her group of friends. I love how I didn't figure out who the murderer was until the end of the book. I can't wait to read more about Zoe and Zak!

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While getting the haunted house and graveyard ready for the town's annual fund raiser, Zoe finds the body of a pushy newcomer sprawled on a grave. With her friend the sheriff out of town, his replacement is determined to arrest Zoe for the crime. Discovering the dead man's secret purpose in town keeps Zoe hopping. Hidden treasure is what everyone is looking for, as well as the murderer. A fun entry in the series with lots of twists and turns to give you another great adventure.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have only read one book in this series and that was last Thanksgiving. I wished to read a Halloween themed book so I read this one. Because I had only read one book previously, this book seemed too busy, too many characters, and too much going on at the same time. I also wished it had been a bit spookier for Halloween. I am sure that I shall read another book by this author as I like her style especially for a 'cozy' read.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's nearing Halloween in Ashton Falls and Zoe is running the committee for the entertainment. A newcomer arrives and pushes his way in to the extent that Zoe is very upset. When she finds him dead in the graveyard, she becomes the chief suspect in his murder by the temporary Deputy in the town, as Salinger is on holiday.

The kids have settled in well but Zoe and Zac are very busy, they need to find time for themselves.

This is a really good cozy mystery series by a great cozy mystery author, if you like this book, then try some of the other series by the same author, they're just as good. These books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone hated the dead guy

This could be a tough one to solve with so many suspects, Zoe the prime suspect and the sheriff on vacation. I love the way the family keeps evolving even with school, the kids, friends, work and a murder. A well developed schedule, everybody working together, what could go wrong? So much fun and excitement. Another great mystery.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Cozy

I must say again,I really enjoy the new storylines and if course the new characters.
Reading these books as a series adds a extra dimension to the characters.
Thanks for an enjoyable read and I think my cozy mystery friends will also.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan Wright quickly becomes a thorn in Zoe's town Halloween event. Zoe's lost of temper places her in the lead suspect spot with a replacement policeman as Sallinger is on vacation. Ellie & Zoe spend a great deal of time thinking about their futures.

[Sue :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Kathi Daleys mysteries.

When someone asks me to recommend a cozy mystery author it's always Kathi Daley first.
Ghostly Graveyard did not disappoint. Her holiday books are always my favorite.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery.

This is a good series. Zoe has another murder mystery to solve. There are suspects with different possible motives. Meanwhile, Zoe has Hallowe'en and Thanksgiving plans to make. I like the interactive parts in the story. Several good recipes are included.

[Penney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good I love this series

[Cathy Inboden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. I loved it.

[Robin Resch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted house fun

When a new guy comes and takes over the Halloween fest will Zoe be okay with it? Can she solve a 100 year old mystery on top of everything that is going on?

[Loraina Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Donovan Mystery #17

Really interesting storylines in the Zoe series. I love the characters and the interactions of the long time friends as well as the relationship of everyone.

[Dwight Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving the series

I love these stories and will continue to do so. I only object to Phyliss seeming to act more like 82 instead of 62..lol I’m 61 sooooo..

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Duncan Wright and why – or why not??? Which tombstone??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great Halloween themed cozy. Mrs. Daley never disappoints. Zoe Donovan is one of my favorite series and this book is one of my favorites in the series.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghostly Graveyard is the 17th book in the Zoe Donavon Mystery series. Kathi Daley has written the perfect book for those who appreciate a well written, Halloween themed cozy mystery. Ghostly Graveyard has everything those who appreciate a true cozy mystery desire; loving spouses, children, close friends, animals, and in this installment, a baby! Everyone in Ashton Falls is eagerly anticipating the annual Halloween festivities. Zoe has spent months planning the Haunted Hamlet celebration. Duncan Wright, a new resident of Ashton Falls, essentially steps in and takes over making numerous on the spot changes to everyone’s dismay (especially Zoe’s). Zoe is quite outspoken about her displeasure, which causes her significant grief when he is found murdered in the graveyard. Detective Salinger is on vacation and the covering deputy is convinced that she is the murderer. The plot is strong and clever with multiple subplots.

Following the series from the beginning, it is a delight to see how Zoe has matured from an impulsive young adult to a mature wife and surrogate/foster mother, balancing her life as a newlywed, career managing Zoë’s Zoo, PTA representative and soccer mom. Zoe is heartbroken when she learns that her mother, father, and baby sister Harper will be out of the country for Thanksgiving and the kids Zoe and Zak are fostering will be with their own families as well.
Ellie’s cousin, Skye, is in a terrible car accident rendering her unconscious. Ellie takes her baby to care for while Skye’s in the hospital. Levi is out of the picture. So many potential directions their “story” could evolve. Will Ellie and Levi would finally get together? Is Levi going to make a commitment? If not, I hope Ellie falls in love with another man, get married, and has or adopts the babies she longs for.

I enjoy and appreciate the interactive story within the story is great. Kathi has added the Zimmerman Academy storyline as a second story and gives the reader the option of how and when. We are learning more about Phyllis and her unique charges. Phyllis and the girls are getting along well, and Phyllis has come “out of her shell” doing things she’s never done before, such as decorating for Halloween. Phyllis is embracing the excitement of the girls and what they are doing. I’m thrilled that she is dating, as are the girls who live with her. Best of all, she is falling in love! This series because you have 2 books in one. I choose to read them by switching back and forth but others may some choose to read them separately.

This is my favorite of the series Kathi writes! This story does not disappoint. My favorite part of this series is the new additions to Zoe and Zak's family and to Phyllis’ life. The children bring a new dimension to the stories and make them a bit more exciting. A superbly written cozy, fitting for the season. The perfect read for a quiet night by the fireplace with the lights low and a cup of hot chocolate. Halloween tricks, treats, murder, mystery and hours of light reading enjoyment.

[Melissa Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts right in with a ghostly legend - perfect to get you into the spirit of the Halloween season. The comments the children were coming up with during the telling of the story and how Zoe handles them were fun. Somehow Zoe was tricked into story time at the library during the annual Haunted Hamlet activities that she was supposed to be in charge of.

Duncan Wright had barely moved to Ashton Falls, yet he had insinuated himself on the events committee and taken it over. His changes weren’t improvements. Zoe reaches her limit when he tells her that her face was needed to have pies thrown at. She is heard yelling at Duncan’s retreating back. That can’t be good.

Then everyone suspects that he has wrecked the haunted house and Zoe’s Zodar begins to hum. Where did he come from? Why did he take over the committee? When a body shows up, it is unfortunate that Deputy Warren Lesserman (who Zoe considers an idiot) is filling in for Sheriff Salinger.
Zoe worries that the bond she shares with Zak will fade while they juggle their jobs, kids, and all of the after-school activities (especially being a newly married couple). Yet she and Zak work so well together as a team parenting Alex, Scooter, and even the older boy Pi.

Ellie, one of Zoe’s best friends is dealing with a lot in this book and I really enjoyed her story. The author develops all the characters in the book in a way that I feel like I am involved in their lives and care about what happens to them.

While Zoe is busy reorganizing the Haunted Hamlet, taking care of the kids and going to all their activities, she also is looking into everything that Duncan was up to after he arrived in town.

I really enjoyed learning more about Phyllis and her new “boyfriend”. I like to switch within the interactive reader portal at the end of some chapters to Zimmerman Academy. That way the story is chronological. The other option would be to wait until the end of the main story. Phyllis and the three girls now living with her have settled into a nice routine and Phyllis is having so much fun starting new family traditions. Her relationship with Will Danner is charming.

It was interesting how the murder mystery ties in with the Halloween legend of Isaac Wainwright. I was surprised by the ending.

I had a great time reading Ghostly Graveyard and am now in the mood for Halloween, unfortunately my town doesn’t have a Haunted Hamlet.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:

When Zoe finds a body laying across the grave of Isaac Wainwright, the man behind a hundred year old legend, she sets out to find the killer before the deputy who is substituting for Salinger, finds a way to pin the murder on her. Meanwhile, Ellie is asked to babysit her cousin’s baby, Levi is AWOL, and the entire Donovan-Zimmerman household is busy with Halloween activities. (Goodreads)

Review:

Zoe is at it again, trying to find yet another killer. After finding the body of a man that she has been recently publicly arguing with, she discovers his body in the cemetery and then discovers she is the prime suspect. With Zak busy with the new school and getting the preparations done for Halloween, and Ellie busy caring for a infant and Levi freaked out about the infant Ellie has under her care, Zoe is on her own in solving this murder.

As is usual in this series, the characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. The characters seem so realistic and people that you want to spend time with. It is fun to read about how Zoe is juggling her new family and husband, her job and trying to solve the murder. Many people can relate to the fact that there is always too much to do and not enough time to get it all done.

I really enjoy reading about the small town life of Ashton Fall, the festivities for the holidays and the camaraderie of the towns folk. Whenever I read a book in this series, I feel like I am transported to the town and can see all the action going on around me. I love catching up with all of the characters who have become like old friends.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is carried on throughout the entire book and even when you think you know who the killer is, think again.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If this is a new series for you, start at the beginning and get to know the characters even better. You will not be disappointed.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the newest book in the Zoe Donovan series and the series gets better with each book I read! I enjoy the Interactive Reader Portal; it’s like reading two books at once, but in the best possible way because the stories relate to each other. The reader has the option of reading each as an independent story or merging the stories at appropriate times in the plot with links provided by Ms. Daley. I choose reading the stories together. I love Ms. Daley’s writing style; there is always such a strong message of the value of friendships, family, and community while incorporating intriguing mysteries. The characters are well developed, well rounded, and realistic. I highly recommend this entire series.

It’s Halloween season and time for Ashton Falls’ annual Haunted Hamlet event. Part of the festivities is Zoe telling a spooky story to the local children. She tells the story of Isaac Wainwright who lived a hundred years ago and whose ghost haunts his killer. Duncan Wright is new in town and has wormed his way into being in charge of the event even though Zoe has done most of the work and, understandably, she’s upset. She voices her opinions about Duncan and everyone hears her rants. Later, Zoe finds Duncan’s body in the graveyard lying on Isaac Wainwright’s grave. With Sheriff Salinger on vacation, Zoe must deal with his fill in, Deputy Lesserman, who believes she is the murderer. Like so many of us, Zoe struggles to find the right balance in her life. She worries that she’s spending so much time being a wife and surrogate mother, plus agreeing to help everyone with everything and solving murders, that she’s neglecting her best friends. Phyllis continues to blossom and experience many firsts since Brooklyn, Eve, and Pepper came to live with her. For the first time in her life, she is discovering the joys of family and traditions.

[Jennifer Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

A uniquely Designed Book

Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) by Author Kathie Daley offers the reader a mystery with a nostalgic themed setting. The details of Daley's story provide minute descriptions, well-developed characters that appear true to life, and a plot that incorporates intriguing twists yet doesn't come across as overly contrived. The unique aspect about Ghostly Graveyard was that the reader had the choice to control the direction of how they read the story and how events would occur because it consisted of stories within the book. That concept is hard to execute properly but Author Kathi Daley was able to pull this fear off successfully delivering a Halloween themed mystery that touched on underlying causes such as being a foster parent, fertility issues and the strain that causes in marriage, along with a myriad of other real-life issues people face daily. This was an entertaining, holiday themed story with a message of goodwill in helping those in need mixed in. I applaud Author Kathi Daley for writing such heartfelt stories! If you haven't already read any of Kathi Daley's books be sure to look her up she always has wonderful books with a great message in them and also always includes animals in her stories! She does a month long Halloween celebration event every year on FB!

[Penny Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure with Zak and Zoe. I loved the Halloween legend tie into the story. As Zoe says there is always some truth behind a legend. I really have enjoyed reading these books and watching Zoe mature. She is now married, raising kids, and helping Zak with the Academy. I would say the immature Zoe is gone. She loves the family life and all that comes with it. Between all the activities with school being room mom for Scooter, all of his sports activities,working at the zoo and being on committees she is running herself thin. With all of this going on will Zak and Zoe get som alone time?
Out of the blue the town of Ashton Falls gets a new person in town, Duncan Wright who takes over everything Zoe has done to prepare for the Haunted Hamlet. Zoe voices her opinion a little loud about how she feels toward Duncan and everyone hears. Gee, guess who ends up dead and who becomes the prime suspect, yep you guessed it, Zoe. What has she gotten herself into??? Salinger is on vacation and she is having to deal with his fill in who is questioning Zoe. Now she has to find the real killer before she is locked up. This leads her on an adventure into the past and into a legend that could be more real than people know.
This is a fun great Halloween adventure not to miss!

[Myra Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Zoe Donavan book with an awesome plot

Ghostly Graveyard is one of my favorite Zoe Donavan books in the series. Great plot and Zoe has matured and it's a good thing. I like when characters in a series develop and change for the better and Zoe is definitely changing from a flighty young adult to a responsible parent figure. From the being of the series, the support characters have also developed for the better. I do think that Zoe takes her blessings in life for granted at times but the character is young but sometimes is written like a woman in her 30s. I hope her Mother has been written to be frustrating because I definitely do not relate to her Mother but in some ways that's made Zoe a better person. It's refreshing to see such real emotions such as jealousy from Zoe. It's a good thing that Zoe is written with relatable flaws. I do think that the ending could have been resolved with a little more explanation and closure. I like dramatic and clear cut endings to my mysteries and some of the books in this series fall a little flat but still a really good cozy series. Exited to see what the future holds for Zoe and her friends.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Halloween time and the time is once again holding festivities to kick off their Haunted Hamlet celebration. Their committee has been taken over by a newcomer, Duncan, who does a great job of suggesting and delegating but doesn't seem to actually be helping with any of the tasks. On her way home, after locking up that evening, Zoe trips over Duncan's dead body. Unfortunately for her, the sheriff is on vacation and his temporary replacement is convinced she is the guilty party. It is up to her to prove her innocence. This series is full of fun characters, that mature with each book. In this book, Ellie gets a taste of motherhood when she temporarily helps care for her cousin's baby. While she finds she is good at it, Zoe takes a turn and is scared she will be a failure at it. I like reading the interaction of these main characters with their families, friends and young charges. The mystery is always enjoyable and provides enough of a twist that the solution is not readily obvious. I look forward to the next book in this series. Disclosure: I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This addition to the Zoe Donovan series gives us some of everything we love about Kathi Daley mysteries. Zoe is going in so many directions, Zack should put a tracking unit on her. She may be more settled and mature but she still finds herself in dangerous situations.

Best friends Ellie and Levi are also busy and not sleuthing alongside her as much as in the past. Charlie is a great partner but his skills are limited. Salenger has become a better partner over time, but he is away on a cruise. Will Zoe be able to work with replacement Deputy Clueless?
It was fun working out the clues with Alex and Hazel.

We are treated to an exciting Ashton Falls Halloween event. We see into the lives of the Zimmerman Academy students and staff as they settle into their first school year and new living arrangements. My heart skipped a beat when someone new revealed his choice of costume!

This is a mystery within a mystery. The clues to the murder are tied to another mystery from the town's history and a local legend.