Kitten Kaboodle

Zoe Donovan Mystery #20

by Kathi Daley

Zak's honorary grandmother Nona decides to come to Ashton Falls for the summer. After arriving she meets and befriends an animal activist set on shutting down a kitten mill just outside of town. When the kitten mill owner is found dead on her barn floor, Nona becomes the prime suspect and Zoe sets out to prove her innocence. Kitten Kaboodle is chocked full of humor, surprises, and life changing events, as we discover who really framed Nona, the reason behind a visit from Zak’s mother, and Ellie’s shocking secret.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Romance

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2016

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

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this series is like catching up with friends.

I've read this series from book one.
I've watched all the characters grow and I've loved watching the friendships evolve.

This ended on a cliffhanger, I am heading off to read the next one.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge Zoe fan and even 20 books later I still love her, great mystery wonderful characters and loads of surprises, good, bad and family....lol

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitten Kaboodle is the 20th book in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series by Kathi Daley. While Zak and the foster children are out of town, Zoe finds herself dealing with Nona, Zak’s honorary Grandma. To add to Zoe’s distress, her mother-in-law and other difficult family members drop in for a three week stay and a litter of kitten is left on her porch. The quirky, free spirited Nona befriends Aspen Woods, an animal activist, and enlists her help in shutting down a kitten mill run by Edna Leech. When Edna Leech is found murdered, Nona becomes the primary suspect. Her best friend Ellie can’t seem to recover from the flu and is in no shape to help Zoe investigate. Is Nona guilty? What is making Ellie sick? Will Zoe be able to save and rehome all of the kittens? Will Zoe successfully narrow down a long list of suspects? This cozy mystery has a tightly woven plot with a host of well-developed characters and lots of humor. This is a stand-alone book, but you will want to read the others in this series if you haven’t already done so. The ending is filled with surprises and I cannot wait until the next book is released as I suspect even greater surprises are coming! A superb addition to the series.

Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitten Kaboodle ( Zoe Donovan Mystery-Book 20 )
By: Kathi Daley

Kitten Kaboode is book twenty in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series. Kathi Daley has did it again. She weaves another cozy mystery with some quirky Characters and a page turner that will keep you guessing and turning those pages to see what is going to happen next. There is a dead body found and, Nona, Zak’s grandmother is one of the many suspects. Is Nona guilty? Well things don’t look good for her. Yes, Zoe is sleuthing to find the killer. She has her hands full in this story. Zak is gone out of town and so is the kids. There is a Kitten mill that people would love to see shut down but, how far will they go , would they go as far as to murder? I really enjoyed Kitten Kaboodle and I know you will too.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me a 3 3/4 stars

For me this was a fun read as always. With an empty house and Zak's honorary grandma Nona, a feisty senior citizen visiting, you just Zoe will get into trouble.
While I enjoyed the story I wished it didn't bounce around so much. Nona wasn't highlighted, arrival of Zoe's mother in law with extended family in tow seemed weird, and Zoe's statement to Zak after her talk with Ellie made me think that she wants to steal Ellie's storyline.
With all that said I still enjoyed the book, and look forward to the next one. This is

[Linda Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when Zak's Harley riding, adopted grandmother rides into town on her pink motorcycle. Nothing remains calm when Zak's family comes to visit. Can Zoe keep grandma out of jail on a murder charge or will she be visiting the senior delinquent in prison while dealing with her mother-in-laws dive into her and Zak's personal life, her best friends problems and a bunch of helpless animals she needs to take care of. Somewhere in the craziness she needs to keep enough of her sanity to find a murderer.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much happens in this book and cozy town it really felt like a great weekend get away, well except for the murder and all. Kathi just has a way of writing that makes you feel so welcome, so comfortable and completely invested in the characters and fuzzy friends. It is such a delight to have this book on my table and now in my heart. I love this series and this book was like being home for the week with friends.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Zoe has her hands full with Zak out of town, a box of kittens that appear at her door, a woman who runs a kitten mill turns up dead, Zak's grandmother is being looked at for the murder, Zak's mother shows up at Zoe's door and Ellie has problems. This story has Zoe busy.
I love the characters in this series, Nona is a hoot. The mystery kept me guessing, I didn't figure it out, it had some interesting twists. I will definitely continue on with this series.

[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

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitten Kaboodle
Zoe Donovan Mystery, Book #20
Kathi Daley
5 Stars


Synopsis:

Zak's honorary grandmother Nona decides to come to Ashton Falls for the summer. After arriving she meets and befriends an animal activist set on shutting down a kitten mill just outside of town. When the kitten mill owner is found dead on her barn floor, Nona becomes the prime suspect and Zoe sets out to prove her innocence. Kitten Kaboodle is chalked full of humor, surprises, and life changing events, as we discover who really framed Nona, the reason behind a visit from Zak’s mother, and Ellie’s shocking secret. (Goodreads)

Review:
As usual, a book written by this author has great character development. I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Zoe and the gang and see what has been happening in their lives. I could read about them all day long and not get bored. They feel like friends I have known for a long time. And we got to read about Nona again and enjoy her antics and get aggravated by Zak’s mom.
The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book. The are enough suspects and clues to keep the reader guessing and I was surprised at the outcome.

I really enjoyed reading more about Zoe and her animal sanctuary. I loved reading about the way she was able to rescue some newborn pups and how she took care of some of the sickly kittens. It was heartwarming and added another level to the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you have not had the pleasure of reading any of Kathi Daley’s books, it is time you got them and read them. All of her series are fantastic.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Donovan is all grown up. That doesn't mean she will keep her nose for trouble in check.
With Zak and the kids all away, who will get in more trouble - Zoe or her pink leather wearing, motorcycle riding honorary grandmother?

Besides the cozy mystery we all look forward to from Kathi Daley, we get another full helping of best friend drama and dilemma. Plus a cuddle full of kittens to fall for!

Even when the murder mystery seems solved, there is a twist that sends Sheriff Salinger back to square one. It takes him and Zoe talking it out together to figure out the timeline between all of the suspects and people with motive. Even then, Zoe and Nona are in for a surprise!

You will enjoy all the subtle mentions of past situations best if you have read previous books in this series, especially the onset of Zimmermans before Zoe and Zak's wedding.
The three best friends of Zoe, Ellie and Levi are once again in for some tumultuous emotional experiences. We have to stay tuned to see how these events will play out.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitten Kaboodle is the 20th book in Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan Mystery series. This book is a cozy mystery with a well-plotted storyline, relatable characters, plenty of twists and turns, and lots of humor. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a clean mystery that keeps you guessing until the final reveal.

Zak and the kids are out of town when Nona, Zak’s honorary grandmother, comes to Ashton Falls for the summer. Nona is feisty and delightful. Nona becomes friends with Aspen Woods, an animal activist, and tries to help her shut down a kitten mill. When the body of Edna Leech, the owner of the kitten mill, is discovered, Nona is arrested and Zoe starts her own investigation to find the true culprit. Zoe learns that there is no shortage of suspects. When Zak’s mother learns of Nona’s arrest, she and several other unwelcome relatives arrive on the scene and add to Zoe’s distress.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Zak away on a business trip and the foster kids all also away, Zoe finds her in the middle of several exasperating situations. Nona drops in for a visit and gets involved with a group looking to close down a neighboring cat mill farm for cruelty to the cats and kittens. Zoe initially gets involved when a box of newly born kittens appears mysteriously on her doorstep, but then Nona gets arrested for the murder of the cat mill farm owner. As if this wasn't enough, her mother-in-law and sundry family members drop in for a three week stay. And then best friend Ellie just can't seem to get over the flu. This is always a fun series to catch a quick mystery read. I love the main characters, especially the animals, and enjoy the sometimes complicated relationships between them. I look forward to the next book in this series. Disclosure: I received a copy if this book through the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each new release in the Zoe Donovan series is like catching up with old friends and there is so much jam-packed into this book that my head was spinning - but in a good way! A big part of what I enjoy about this series also are the animals that the author incorporates into every story. I also enjoy Nona's wild and wacky ways but can definitely use less of Zak's mother - although it looks as if Mom is the catalyst for some life-changing events in the near future for Zoe and Zak. And yes, as promised, Ellie does have a shocking secret - it will be interesting to see how she handles the situation in the next book. Kudos to the author for crafting a clever murder mystery with a twist - but then again each of her books always have great mysteries for us to try to solve! The author has a way with words and her books are very well-written. And the bonus recipes included in the book look really great - I can't wait to try the Low Country Boil!

[Penny Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitten Kaboodle is book 20 in The Zoe Donovan series. Kathi Daley has done it again with a book filled with another great mystery. It is full of excitement, fun, and of course murder. I was so excited to see Nona back in town. Her character is a hoot and loves to tell it like it is with no filter. A woman after my own heart.
Zoe is in for quite an adventure when Nona shows up in town on her pink Harley. Not to mention Zak and the kids are out of town. Nona teams up with Aspen, an animal activist who is trying to shut down a kitten mill owner who is beyond cruel! Here comes the bad luck for Zoe when the owner of the kitten mill is found dead in her barn and Zoe has a box full of sick kittens show up at her doorstep??? Who killed Edna Leech and why? There are a ton of suspects and motives for Zoe to sort through. YIKES!
This is a must read series. Can't wait to find out what adventures await the gang next.

[Bruce Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe this is the 20th Zoe Donovan mystery. Kathi's flagship series features an interesting and sometimes quirky cast of characters that inhabit a fictional town that sits on a lake much like Lake Tahoe. Each book features a mystery but more important to Kathi's readers each book also features a glimpse into her characters lives and the workings of a small town. The plots are multi-threaded and the characters are allowed to grow and change and even learn from their mistakes. The books are clean reads and while they center around a murder there is no graphic descriptions of blood and gore. They are true to the cozy genre. Additionally the books are well edited both for content and flow and for errors.

Each book is a standalone and while there is usually a hint of what may next these are not cliff hangers. I would suggest that your read the series in order though as the characters to grow and change through the books.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Book #20, Zac's honorary grandma, Nona, comes for a visit riding her Harley, flirting, and barely skirting danger in Ashton Falls. Zoe is hiding six stolen kittens someone left on her porch, and she's certain they came from Edna Leech's kitten breeding operation located just outside the city. Edna isn't popular among the town citizens, and it's not totally a surprise when her lifeless body is found in her barn.

Zoe's best friend, Ellie, isn't feeling well, and Zoe's concerned about her. Zac and the kids are all away, and his Mother has shown up for an unexpected visit. Zoe is trying to lay low until Zac can return. Occupying herself searching for leads to Edna's killer takes her thoughts away from her overbearing mother-in-law.

As always, Zoe fans will be entertained with sweet pets and the warmth of family and friendship while enjoying a great mystery.

[Sheryl Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang on to your hat....#20 in Kathi's books is another hit in the cozy mystery genre. With Zak's Nona popping in for a visit while Zak is away, Zoe will have her hands full keeping up with this quirky "grandmother". Zoe will have to find the real killer to get Nona off the number one spot of the suspect list. The victim was running a kitten mill and Nona was pushing hard to see the mill closed down and some believe that Nona went over the edge by closing the life of the mill operator. Zoe will scramble to solve this mystery and keep you in tune with all of the life in a small community and its lively population.
Kathi never fails to keep your attention in her writing and spins mysteries for the cozy mystery buff. I always look forward to each new book and never tire of her characters. You will see fun events woven in with a true murder mystery and characters that are believable!

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Zoe finds herself dealing with Zak’s honorary Noona while the kids and Zak are out of town. Noona befriends an animal activist as they make enemies with a kitten mill owner who is later found dead and the prime suspect is Noona.

Thrown into the mix a surprise visit from Zak’s overbearing mother and a few rowdy cousins keeps Zoe on her toes. She finds herself with a full house as well as stolen kittens on her doorstep and trying to solve the murder.

Along with the usually twists, we learn that Ellie has a secret of her own. Another fascinating read by the author.

[Bonnijean Marley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zany characters and fast-paced action combine to make this mystery fun to read. When Zak's honorary Grandmother is framed for the murder of a cat breeder, Zoe want to see if she can find the real killer. An interfering mother-in-law and a friend with a big secret give Zoe lots of other things to be concerned about. Zoe doesn't really solve the mystery, but the perpetrator thinks Zoe has it figured out and tries to stop the investigation and ends up revealing himself/herself. I enjoyed this book and look forward reading other books in the series.

I got a free ebook copy of this book through an Amazon giveaway.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! Nona is a great character, and I hope we get to see her more often. And there were so many GOOD surprises in this story, too!!

I'm a huge fan of this series, and every time a new book comes out, it's like sitting down to visit with a group of familiar friends. I'm so invested in what happens in their lives, and I can feel their happiness and their pain.

I am very excited to see how the friendship trio of Zoe, Levi and Ellie will deal with the latest issues they are facing. I'm sure there will be plenty of ups and downs along the way.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe rescues animals, helps people and solves murders. This time she is helping her husband Zak's honorary Grandmother prove her innocence in the murder of a woman running a local kitten mill. Investigating the murder victim proves that there are plenty of other suspects to check out. An animal activist, men she was stalking, men she was blackmailing and women whose toes she was treading on. Another great entry in this fun and entertaining series that shares wonderful characters and animals . A series that takes you on a wonderful adventure with every new book. Don't miss out!

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow -- super awesome story and another winner for Kathi Daley -- #20 in the Zoe Donovan series and still going strong.. Absolutely love reading about Zoe, her family and friends and all their exploits and shenanigans.. This one is definitely a page turner with lots of humor, angst, and surprises. Love the way the author threw in that surprising twist to the murder story. Definitely a story you don't want to miss -- highly recommend.

[Lester Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could Zac's motorcycling Grandma have killed someone while Zac is out of town?

Every time Zac leaves town Zoe runs into trouble. This time in the form of his motorcycle riding Nona. What big secret does her best friend Elle have that she is hiding. Nona is not the only unexpected family member to show up either. I was totally not expecting this ending. I always enjoy these Zoe and Zac books.

[Teri]

When Zac's Nona is accused of murder Zoe takes it upon herself to find out who really did it. With Zac gone and mother Zimmerman coming into push the idea of starting a family on Zoe she takes it in stride and pushes on to clear Nona and helps a few furry friends in the process and Ellie and Levi too. They have had some tough times and now a few surprises coming up. Love this series and can't wait for more!

[Teri Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

Such great and caring characters - with a few howlers thrown in. An outrageous pseudo grandmother, an overbearing mother in law, and a very wicked kitten mill operator. Guess which one winds up dead?

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books.... They are like taking a break.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny Cozy Mystery
"Zak's honorary grandmother Nona decides to come to Ashton Falls for the summer. After arriving she meets and befriends an animal activist set on shutting down a kitten mill just outside of town. When the kitten mill owner is found dead on her barn floor, Nona becomes the prime suspect and Zoe sets out to prove her innocence. Kitten Kaboodle is chocked full of humor, surprises, and life changing events, as we discover who really framed Nona, the reason behind a visit from Zak’s mother, and Ellie’s shocking secret."
This is an awesome mystery. Full of angst and laughter. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nona is back on Ashton Falls, but she's brought trouble with her! When a local kitten farm owner is killed, Nona is arrested. It takes Zoe to find the killer. Whilst Zac is away, his Mum comes to stay, and brings with her his cousins, and a whole lot of unwanted advice.

I really enjoy reading these books, they're easily read in a few hours. They are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.